A Blog About Motherhood, Miles, and the Mouse

Tuesdays on the Run: Solo? Plus one? Group therapy?

I am new to blogging. You are new to reading this blog. So let me introduce you to Tuesdays on the Run. I follow several great blogs written by ladies who run, such as Patty from My No-Guilt Life, April from Run the Great Wide Somewhere, and Erika from MCM Mama Runs. On Tuesdays, they create the topics, I write about it. I hope you check out their blogs, too! (These ladies also write about Disney, beer, margaritas, oh, and more Disney!)

Today’s TOTR: Solo vs. group running.

There are generally two kinds of runners. Those who like to lace up and pound the pavement by themselves, alone in their own thoughts. These runners are all business. No distractions from the task at hand. It’s all about the miles and getting them done. And that’s OK.

Then there are runners like me. I like to make an event out of every run. I put thought into what I will wear, where I will go, and who may or may not be right there with me. I like to run with groups — or at least with a friend. The diversion of discussion makes the miles more manageable. Even when I am alone, I like the like to talk to others. I see a fellow runner headed my way and give a quick wave and a “good morning” as she passes by. It’s all about being social.

With running group friend Lee before the 2014 St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon.

I probably would not have stuck with running if it weren’t for the friends I have made and the people I have met through the various groups I’ve joined over the years. The first running group I ever joined back in Memphis was such a special experience. I didn’t know any of these people. I was so anxious and nervous. Turns out, most everyone else was, too. We were all beginners. Didn’t know what we were doing or how we would complete our first half marathon. But we stuck together, supported each other, and learned what it would take to finish strong. We trained together, running through all sorts of conditions. The fear and uneasiness that started our training by the end turned into joy, laughter, and pride. That was back in 2008. And even though I moved away, I still go back to Memphis (most years) and run the St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon with these folks. This coming December, we are running the race as a marathon relay team. I cannot wait!

In Nashville, I joined a training group though Fleet Feet for the past three Country Music Half Marathons. I enjoy the coaching and the camaraderie. Training with a group holds you accountable. You know everyone is meeting at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, and if you are not there, the group will miss you. Without this standing appointment every Saturday morning, I know I would stay in bed. We also have a Facebook group, so it’s fun to post photos and discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly after every long run. Again, it’s all about being social! (Check out Fleet Feet Nashville’s training groups. I just signed up to be part of the upcoming Zooma Nashville Half Training Group.)

Do you run with a group? Plus one? Solo? Leave a comment and let me know. And check back next week for more Tuesdays on the Run!

Jennifer Donnals

About Me

Jennifer became a mother, a runner, and a fan of all things Disney well into her thirties. Now, this 40-something working mom is also a blogger, sharing the joys that motherhood, miles, and the mouse bring to her life. You could say she was "late to the party."